The leaders of Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh today pledged to continue their efforts to build a new arena after the state gaming board rejected a proposal by the casino bidder favored by the Penguins.

The state board chose a proposal by PITG Gaming for a North Side parlor over a bid by Isle of Capri for a Hill District site. Isle of Capri had pledged $290 million toward arena construction and had an agreement with the Penguins.

PITG's Don Barden has agreed to provide $7.5 million a year for 30 years for an arena, and he has also pledged to help redevelop the Lower Hill District.

The Penguins issued a statement today congratulating Mr. Barden but saying, "obviously, we are very disappointed that the Isle of Capri was not awarded the slots license."

"Had Isle of Capri been selected, it would have ensured the long-term future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh and would have delivered a $1 billion development opportunity to the Lower Hill and Uptown," the statement continued.

"At this point, our franchise enters a period of uncertainty, with our lease at Mellon Arena set to expire this summer. We will re-evaluate all of our options before deciding on a course of action and making further comment."

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said at a press conference today that they have already spoken to Mr. Barden and hope to arrange a meeting about his plans as soon as tomorrow.

Both said they understood he has reiterated his commitment to helping fund an arena and redevelop the Hill.

They also said they are still backing a new arena.

"Let me reach out to Mario here," said Mr. Onorato, referring to Mario Lemieux of the Penguins. "What the two of us are committing today is that we're going to be here under this plan and get (an arena) done."

"There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that we can get this deal done," Mr. Ravenstahl said, provided that the team is willing to negotiate."

Mr. Onorato said the choice of a North Side location shows the need for the Port Authority's North Shore Connector. Under the plan, which has drawn some criticism, the light rail line would be extended under the Allegheny River to the North Side.

The two officials pledged to put together a task force to study community impact and neighborhood issues that the casino might generate. They said it would include both neighborhood residents and professionals like traffic engineers.

It will probably eliminate further need for the city gaming task force created by former Mayor Tom Murphy. That group had said Isle of Capri was the best plan.

Mr. Ravenstahl had also backed Isle of Capri but Mr. Onorato never stated a preference.

RENDELL AND THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT THE STATE. Freaking Impeach Ed Rendell. He had a chance to bring in $1 BILLION Dollars in new revenue for the State of Pennsylvania. And he balked at it. I totally want to disown Philadelphia for the inside of Pennsylvania's Borders. DOESN'T RENDELL GET IT??? They could have an arena for FREE! YOU HEAR ME! FREE!!! But all he wants to do is make sure that Philadelphia is happy. Anyone think we can get Rendell arrested on charges of Larceny???

It was funny, they were interviewing some reverend and he stated that a casino would bring drugs and prostitution to the Hill District. HA!!!

It's already McHookers and the drug dealers are out in force every night. I got my car stolen right next to the church during a hockey game a few years back. Yeah, a casino should be the least of those people's worries. The IOC promised the Hill District 1 billion dollars. Whatever.....

Now they have Onorato and Ravenstahl popping up and speaking their B.S. Onorato was all for keeping the Penguins in this city but the guy never backed IOC or any other casino for that matter.

When Ravenstahl took over he was all about keeping the Penguins here, he was completely Pro-IOC and then about a month ago he backed away from his IOC feelings and started bringing up Plan B. Good job there Luke.

Thanks for posting the article, 83. DAMN IT, I'M BEYOND PISSED!!!!! Rendell doesn't give a damn about this city or the Pens. All he cares about is feeding his fat face and his precious Philadelphia. At least I can say with pride that I DIDN'T HELP ELECT HIM!!!!!

I'm now feeling very uneasy about our Pens' future here. I'm sure Onorato and Co. will do everything they can to negotiate something for a new arena, but that still doesn't make me feel any better at this moment.

The only bit of light here is that the two other applicants can appeal the decision, but not for about a month until the SGC issues their report.

The Hill got what it wanted - no casino near their shacks and a revitalization of the lower Hill. I had to laugh - there was an African American gentleman on the news a couple of days ago protesting IOP's proposal saying "what have the Pens done for us?" Riiiight. How many games have you gone to, pal? Funny thing is - the Hill residents would be at that casino day and night - who the hell do they think they're kidding?

The Steelers issued a statement saying they are very disappointed in this decision and will look into their "options". Ughhhh - this is going to be a mess.

I say this to Pittsburgh, next time a mayor vote happens, kick out the democrat and go republican. And this is coming from a Republican.

It will never happen. We enjoy watching our city age, kids come here for college purposes and then leave for another city in order to get jobs, a brand new convention center sitting empty. Smart huh?

Like I said, people in this city don't give a damn who's better, they care about the (D). We haven't had a Republican mayor since the Depression. Personally, I don't give a damn if my mayor is "D" or "R". Do your job, do what the people want you to do and change the downward spiral which has been occuring in this city.

I have my opinion on why I think Mr. Barden received the license, but that's a whole other story. It's pretty obvious (look at his picture) and pathetic. I'll just shake my head. F-Barden and my money will continue going to West Virginia, Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

I am a pissed off individual today. I need a beer and a few shots of sambuca.